Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE's national railway network, has announced plans to open the Madinat Zayed and Liwa passenger stations on November 30, one month ahead of schedule, aligning with the start of the events and festivals season in the Al Dhafra Region.
Both stations - located in the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi - were due to welcome passengers on December 30 as part of the gradual opening of the national rail network.
The directive came from Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, during talks with a delegation from Etihad Rail headed by Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, at Al Nakheel Palace in Abu Dhabi. The delegation was accompanied by several senior executives from the company, reported Wam.
This will support seamless visitor movement and enhance access to the region’s diverse destinations and events through the passenger rail network, he added.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed also reviewed with the Etihad Rail delegation the latest developments of the UAE National Railway Network, including future passenger rail stations in the Al Dhafra Region and joint projects in Al Sila’a.
He was also briefed on the company’s key achievements, most notably the commencement of passenger rail services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah last month, marking the introduction of the UAE’s passenger rail services.
He praised Etihad Rail’s efforts in delivering this landmark project, which enhances connectivity across the UAE and contributes to the nation’s broader development goals.
“The inauguration of the Mohammed bin Zayed City passenger railway station in Abu Dhabi by HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, marks a significant strategic milestone in advancing the UAE’s transport and infrastructure sector. The achievement reflects the leadership’s vision to develop a modern, integrated, and sustainable transport network that enhances connectivity across the UAE and contributes to the nation’s continued comprehensive development,” he stated.
He was further briefed on the significant demand the project has generated since the start of operations, reflecting customers’ confidence in Etihad Rail’s services delivered through the UAE National Railway Network.